Rear suspension issue

[tm624]

I've had my 93 2+2 Z for a couple of months now. All original suspension still, so I ordered a new set of shocks that finally arrived.

My problem is that the rear end wants to hop sideways every time I hit a decent size bump. It really tries to get sideways when on the throttle. The odd thing is it only tries to hop to the right, and never left. Not sure if that has something to do with the differential or not. If I let off the pedal just before I hit a bump in the road, it really doesn't try to pull or hop then. Usually just when under power.

Could the old shocks be causing it to do this, or is there something a little more sinister at work here? Since it almost feels like the rear shocks are almost non-existent, I was guessing it was allowing the wheel to lift and hop like it is. At least that's what I'm hoping, and that there isn't a another major problem at work.

[davidp94]

Had the exact same problem. Replaced my rear shocks with brand new ones, and to tell you the truth, it helps but hasnt fixed the problem completely.

[J30tChumpCar]

Check all the rear suspension arm bushings

[aroche25]

Bushings Bushings..

[davidp94]

Check all the rear suspension arm bushings

So your saying, the rubber bushings are whats causing me to feel like i have litterally no rear suspension after replacing with brand new shocks.

[t.mcginley.jr]

It's possible your coil springs themselves are bad. The struts (not shocks btw) only counteract the force of the spring, so replacing just the strut doesn't always fix the problem. Your springs are 23 years old now and they do sag with age.

[z32loverboy]

^This. And bushings.

[J30tChumpCar]

All the springs do is hold up the car,struts control the springs if ride height is good and the shocks new it possibly has alignment issues caused by bad bushings or whacked adjustments, jack up the rear and try to "steer" the rear wheel, any movement indicates issues, take it to a tire kingdom for a free estimate and they will tell you what is bad, if all is well get it aligned.

[nissanfreak12]

Bad sub-frame bushings will cause the car to do what you describe. When they go bad, it causes the sub-frame to shift when you hit a bump. All it relatively is is bump steer. A bad alignment will also do this and everything mentioned above. So yes, BUSHINGS.

You can always delete the HICAS. That would solve any issues in the future and the ones you may currently have.

[z32loverboy]

HICAS only came on TT's, his is a 2+2 so it shouldn't have it.. unless it was 1) imported or 2) put on there for kicks and giggles by an evil madman. N/A doesn't come with HICAS

[nissanfreak12]

HICAS only came on TT's, his is a 2+2 so it shouldn't have it.. unless it was 1) imported or 2) put on there for kicks and giggles by an evil madman. N/A doesn't come with HICAS

You are absolutely right, I was mixing this up with another post. Der on my part, and it was early-ish.

Still check the bushings in the sub-frame and suspension components.

[DCaff300ZX]

Agreed with the bushings, but also check your rear toe adjustments as mine got loose in my NA years ago and it did the same thing...but also had a blown shock so I had both a shock AND toe issue to fix, which helped the problem.
So, Bushings and alignment checked, being sure they check rear.